Instant messaging sound control

ABSTRACT

Controlling the volume of an audible alert associated with an instant messaging communications session includes rendering, on a first instant messaging user system, an instant messaging application user interface for an instant messaging communications session involving at least a first instant messaging user and a second instant messaging user, receiving notification of an event related to the instant messaging communications session, determining a characteristic of the event, accessing an audible alert to be rendered to signal existence of the event, adjusting based upon the determined characteristic of the event a volume of the audible alert corresponding to the event, and rendering the audible alert to signal existence of the event.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/450,674, filed Mar. 3, 2003, which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description relates to instant messaging and more particularly toinstant messaging sound control.

BACKGROUND

During an instant messaging conversation, an audible alert may be playedupon the receipt of an instant message, the sending of an instantmessage, or upon the occurrence of other events such as a designateduser (“buddy”) logging on or logging off of the instant messagingnetwork. The audible alerts received during an instant messaging sessionto indicate the existence of different events may be customized anddistinguished from each other. For instance, the sound played withrespect to a user logging in may differ from the sound played withrespect to the same user logging out.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, controlling the volume of an audible alertassociated with an instant messaging communications session includesrendering, on a first instant messaging user system, an instantmessaging application user interface for an instant messagingcommunications session involving at least a first instant messaging userand a second instant messaging user. Controlling the volume alsoincludes receiving notification of an event related to the instantmessaging communications session, determining a characteristic of theevent, accessing an audible alert to be rendered to signal existence ofthe event, adjusting based upon the determined characteristic of theevent a volume of the audible alert corresponding to the event, andrendering the audible alert to signal existence of the event.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, adjusting the volume may include selecting among several volumelevels available for rendering a single audible alert. The event mayinclude receipt of an instant message from a second instant messaginguser and the audible alert may correspond to a sound played to notifythe first instant messaging user of the instant message.

The characteristic of the event may be determined by determining whetherthe event is an initial event, and the volume may be adjusted to aninitial volume when the event is determined to be an initial event. Theevent may include, for example, the receipt of an instant message froman instant message sender. In one implementation, the identity of theinstant message sender may be compared with the identity of aparticipant in an active instant messaging session to determine whetherthe event is an initial event. An active instant messaging session mayinclude an instant messaging session having an open window and/or aninstant messaging session in which an instant message was sent within apredetermined window of time.

Determining the characteristic of the event may include determiningwhether the event is a subsequent event related to a previous initialevent, and the volume may be adjusted to an alternative volume thatdiffers from the initial volume when the event is determined to be asubsequent event. The initial volume may be full volume and thealternative volume may be a volume less than the full volume such as,for example, a volume that is one-half or one-quarter of the fullvolume, or a volume that is barely audible. The alternative volume andthe initial volume may be user-selected. The initial and alternativevolumes may each be audible.

Determining the characteristic of the event may include determiningwhether the event is a subsequent event that follows an initial, relatedevent. In the case that the event is a subsequent event, the volume maybe adjusted to a subsequent volume (e.g., an alternative volume) thatdiffers from the initial volume played for the initial event. The eventmay include receipt of an instant message from an instant messagesender. Determining whether the event is a subsequent event may includecomparing the identity of the instant message sender with the identityof a participant in an active instant messaging session. An activeinstant messaging session may include an instant messaging sessionhaving an open window and/or an instant messaging session in which aninstant message was sent within a predetermined window of time.

In the case that the event is a subsequent event, a determination may bemade as to whether the subsequent event has an event type that is thesame as an event type of the initial event. The event type may includereceipt of an instant message from an instant messaging sender andsending an instant message to the instant messaging sender. In the casethat the subsequent event has a different event type than the event typeof the initial event, the volume may be adjust to a volume based on andcorresponding to the different event type. The subsequent volume may bea volume reduced from the initial volume.

Determining the characteristic of the event may include determining ifthe event is an event occurring after a lapse condition in an instantmessaging conversation. In the case that the event occurs after a lapsecondition, the volume may be adjusted to a lapse volume. The lapsevolume may be, for example, the initial volume or a volume differingfrom a subsequent volume corresponding to a subsequent event.

A lapse condition may include the closing of an instant messagingcommunications window, logging out by a participant in an instantmessaging communications session, an idle state of a participant in aninstant messaging communications session, an away state of a participantin an instant messaging communications session, an absence of a useractivity for a predetermined period of time, passage of a predeterminedamount of time, such as five minutes, from message activity or a messagein an instant messaging communications session, and a frequency ofmessaging activity in an instant messaging communications session thatis less than a threshold frequency. A determination may be made as towhether a lapse condition has occurred.

The instant messaging communication session may include a text messagingsession, a video messaging session and an audio messaging session.

In another general aspect, controlling the volume of an audible alertduring an instant messaging communications session includes rendering,on a first instant messaging user system, an instant messagingapplication user interface for an instant messaging communicationssession involving at least a first instant messaging user and a secondinstant messaging user. Controlling the volume includes receiving amessage from the second instant messaging user system over an instantmessaging network, determining a characteristic of the message, andadjusting the volume of an audible alert to be played in response toreceipt of the message based upon the determined characteristic of themessage.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, determining the characteristic of the message includesdetermining if the message is an initial message in an instant messagingconversation and adjusting the volume may include adjusting the volumeto an initial volume. Determining the characteristic of the message alsomay include determining if the message is a subsequent message after aninitial message, and adjusting the volume may include adjusting thevolume to a volume reduced from an initial volume. Determining thecharacteristic of the message may also include determining if themessage is an initial message after a lapse in an instant messagingconversation, and adjusting the volume may include adjusting the volumeto an initial volume. Determining the characteristic of the message alsoincludes determining if the message is an initial message after a lapsein an instant messaging conversation, and adjusting the volume includesadjusting the volume to a volume between an initial volume and a reducedvolume.

Aspects of the instant messaging sound control may be implemented by anapparatus and/or by a computer program stored on a computer readablemedium. The computer readable medium may include a disc, a clientdevice, a host device, and/or a propagated signal. In addition, aspectsof the instant messaging sound control may be implemented in aclient/host context or in a standalone or offline client device.

The described IM sound control avoids undesirably maintaining the samevolume level, and it also enables other means by which information maybe communicated. In contexts where users specify different sounds toidentify events of different types or different identities for differentusers with whom they communicate, it can be useful to use volumedifferences to distinguish between initial and subsequent communicationsrather than confusing a recipient or replicating their interface withother different audible identifiers.

Other features will be apparent from the following description,including the drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B are block diagrams of an exemplarycommunications system.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process that may be implementedby systems such as those of FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a graphical user interface that may beimplemented by systems such as those of FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B whenexecuting a process such as that of FIG. 4.

For brevity, several elements in the figures described below arerepresented as monolithic entities. However, as would be understood byone skilled in the art, these elements each may include numerousinterconnected computers and components designed to perform a set ofspecified operations and/or may be dedicated to a particular geographicregion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Techniques are described for controlling the volume of sounds playedduring an instant messaging session. For, example, the initial soundplayed in response to the occurrence of an initial event in an instantmessaging session is played at an initial volume, such as full volume.Subsequent sounds played in response to the occurrence of subsequentevents in the same instant messaging session are played at a subsequentvolume, such as a reduced volume, which is distinguished from theinitial volume. However, if a lapse in the conversation is detected, thevolume of the next notification sound may once again be played at theinitial volume or some volume that is distinguished from the subsequentvolume. Thus, the instant message recipient may be alerted to thepresence of a renewed conversation or other event.

Upon the receipt of an initial event notification, such as the receiptof an initial instant message in an IM conversation, an audible alert isplayed at the initial (e.g., full) volume. Subsequent eventnotifications, such as the receipt of subsequent instant messagesreceived from the same instant message sender during the instantmessaging session, are played at a subsequent volume that is a reducedvolume relative to the initial volume. For example, subsequent messagesmay be played at 25% of the initial volume. Alternatively, subsequentmessages may be muted. In one implementation, the user may select thevolume level of the initial alert and/or the subsequent audible alerts.

If a lapse in the instant messaging conversation is detected, or if theconversation window is closed and a new conversation begins in a newwindow, the volume of the next notification sound may be played at alapse volume, which may be the initial volume or another volume that isdistinguished from the subsequent (e.g., reduced) volume. For example,if a pre-determined amount of time passes without the sending or receiptof an instant message or user interaction with a received request, theconversation may be deemed to have lapsed. The user may select the timefor a lapse to be declared, or a time such as, for example, 5 minutes,may be pre-selected for determining if a lapse has occurred. In anotherexample, a lapse may also be declared if the number of outgoing and/orincoming messages per unit time falls below a threshold number.

Once an instant messaging conversation has begun, it may be assumed thatthe user is paying attention to the instant messaging conversation andtherefore the volume of the subsequent audible alerts may be reduced.If, however, a lapse is detected in the conversation, the next instantmessage received from the instant messaging sender will once again beplayed at the initial volume, or a volume different from the reducedvolume, because it may no longer be reasonable to assume that the useris paying attention to the instant messaging conversation. Thereinafter,as previously described, subsequent audible alerts will be played at asubsequent volume, such as a reduced volume. Once an instant messagingsession is closed with respect to an instant message sender, the nextnew instant messaging from the same instant messaging sender will onceagain be played at the initial volume, and the process of sound volumereduction will start again.

The sound control feature may be used in other contexts. For example,the sound control feature may be used in a mobile device such as acellular phone. Also, if the sound associated with the initial messagediffers from the sound associated with a subsequent message, the soundassociated with the initial message may be played upon receipt of amessage after a lapse is detected. Where the sounds associated with asubsequent message differs from the sound associated with an initialmessage, the volume of the sound associated with the first message mayor may not differ from the volume of the sound associated with thesubsequent message.

For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B show examples ofcommunications systems for implementing techniques for transferringelectronic data.

Referring to FIG. 1, a communications system 100 is capable ofdelivering and exchanging data between a client system 105 and a hostsystem 110, such as an IM host system, through a communications link115. The client system 105 may include a first user system 105A and asecond user system 105B. The first user system 105A and the second usersystem 105B include communication software to enable users of theseclient systems to access the host system 110. Such a communicationssystem 100 may be available to users of IM service providers, such as,for example, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, and Microsoft Messenger.

The host system 110 may support IM services irrespective of a user'snetwork or Internet access. Thus, the host system 110 may allow users tosend and receive IMs, regardless of whether they have access to anyparticular ISP. The host system 110 also may support associatedservices, such as administrative matters, advertising, directoryservices, chat, and interest groups related to the IM. The host system110 has an architecture that enables the devices (e.g., servers) withinthe host system 110 to communicate with each other. To transfer data,the host system 110 employs one or more standard or exclusive IMprotocols.

To access the host system 110 to begin an IM session in theimplementation of FIG. 1, the first user system 105A establishes aconnection to the host system 110. Once a connection to the host system110 has been established, the first user system 105A may directly orindirectly transmit data to and access content from the host system 110.By accessing the host system, a first user can use the IM clientapplication to view whether particular users (“buddies”) are on-line,exchange IMs with particular buddies, participate in group chat rooms,trade files such as pictures, invitations or documents, find otherbuddies with similar interests, get customized information such as newsand stock quotes, and search the Web. Second user system 105B may besimilarly manipulated to establish contemporaneous connection with hostsystem 110.

Once connectivity is established, a first user who is using first usersystem 105A views whether a second user using second user system 105B ison-line and able to receive IMs. If the second user is on-line, thefirst user may exchange IMs with the second user.

In one implementation, the IMs sent between first user system 105A andsecond user system 105B are routed through host system 110. In anotherimplementation, the IMs sent between first user system 105A and seconduser system 105B are routed through a third party server (not shown),and, in some cases, also are routed through host system 110. In yetanother implementation, the IMs are sent directly between first usersystem 105A and second user system 105B.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 3A, the client system 105, such as first usersystem 105A and/or second user system 105B, typically includes one ormore client devices 120 and/or client controllers 125, and the hostsystem 110 typically includes one or more host devices 135 and/or hostcontrollers 140. For example, the client system 105 or the host system110 may include one or more general-purpose computers (e.g., personalcomputers), one or more special-purpose computers (e.g., devicesspecifically programmed to communicate with each other and/or the clientsystem 105 or the host system 110), or a combination of one or moregeneral-purpose computers and one or more special-purpose computers. Theclient system 105 and the host system 110 may be arranged to operatewithin or in concert with one or more other systems, such as, forexample, one or more LANs (“Local Area Networks”) and/or one or moreWANs (“Wide Area Networks”).

The client device 120 and the host device 135 generally are capable ofexecuting instructions under the command of, respectively, a clientcontroller 125 and a host controller 140. The client device 120 and thehost device 135 are connected to, respectively, the client controller125 and the host controller 140 by, respectively, wired or wireless datapathways 130 and 145, which are capable of delivering data.

The client device 120, the client controller 125, the host device 135,and the host controller 140 typically each include one or more hardwarecomponents and/or software components. An example of a client device 120or a host device 135 is a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personalcomputer) or software on such a computer capable of responding to andexecuting instructions in a defined manner. Other examples include aspecial-purpose computer, a workstation, a server, a device, acomponent, other physical or virtual equipment or some combination ofthese capable of responding to and executing instructions. The clientdevice 120 and the host device 135 may include devices that are capableof establishing peer-to-peer communications.

An example of client controller 125 or host controller 140 is a softwareapplication loaded on the client device 120 or the host device 135 forcommanding and directing communications enabled by the client device 120or the host device 135. Other examples include a program, a piece ofcode, an instruction, a device, a computer, a computer system, or acombination of these for independently or collectively instructing theclient device 120 or the host device 135 to interact and operate asdescribed. The client controller 125 and the host controller 140 may beembodied permanently or temporarily in any type of machine, component,physical or virtual equipment, storage medium, or propagated signalcapable of providing instructions to the client device 120 and the hostdevice 135.

FIG. 2B illustrates a communications system 200B including a clientsystem 105, such as first user system 105A and/or second user system105B, communicating with a host system 110 through a communications link115. The client system 105 includes a client device 120 that typicallyincludes a general-purpose computer 270 having an internal or externalmemory 272 for storing data and programs such as an operating system 274(e.g., DOS, Windows™, Windows 95™, Windows 98™, Windows 2000™, WindowsMe™, Windows XP™, Windows NT™, OS/2, or Linux) and one or moreapplication programs. Examples of application programs include authoringapplications 276 (e.g., word processing programs, database programs,spreadsheet programs, or graphics programs) capable of generatingdocuments or other electronic content; client applications 278 (e.g.,America Online (AOL) client, CompuServe client, AOL Instant Messenger(AIM) client, an interactive television (ITV) client, an internetservice provider (ISP) client, or an instant messaging (IM) client)capable of communicating with other computer users, accessing variouscomputer resources, and viewing, creating, or otherwise manipulatingelectronic content; and browser applications 280 (e.g., Netscape'sNavigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer) capable of renderingstandard Internet content and other content formatted according tostandard protocols such as the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).

The communications link 115 typically includes a delivery network 160that provides direct or indirect communication between the client system105 and the host system 110, irrespective of physical separation.Examples of a delivery network 160 include the Internet, the World WideWeb, WANs, LANs, analog or digital wired and wireless telephone networks(e.g., Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Integrated ServicesDigital Network (ISDN), and Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL)), radio,television, cable, or satellite systems, and other delivery mechanismsfor carrying data. The communications link 115 may include communicationpathways 150 and 155 that enable communications through the one or moredelivery networks 160 described above. Each of the communicationpathways 150 and 155 may include, for example, a wired, wireless, cableor satellite communication pathway.

Several communications applications and protocols, such as instantmessaging or chat, may be used by communications system 200. Typically,instant messaging (IM) communications involve an instantaneous or nearlyinstantaneous communication between two users, where each user is ableto transmit, receive and display communicated information. Additionally,IM communications involve the display and perception of on-line presenceinformation regarding other selected users (“buddies”). The IMcommunications may be machine-to-machine communications that occurwithout intervention by or communication through an instant messagingserver after a communication session is established or authentication isperformed. Examples of IM communications exist over AIM (America OnlineInstant Messenger), AOL (America Online) Buddy List and InstantMessages, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and ICQ, 25 among others.Although some examples of sharing on-line media experiences arediscussed below using IM applications, other implementations providesimilar functionality in platforms and on-line applications such aschat.

Chat communications typically involve an instantaneous or nearlyinstantaneous communication between two or more users in a “chat room,”where each user is able to transmit, receive and display communicatedinformation. Additionally, chat communications may involve the displayand perception of on-line presence information regarding other selectedparticipants in the chat room. However, chat communications may occur inthe absence of on-line presence information. The chat communications maybe machine-to-machine communications that occur without intervention byor communication through a chat server after a communication session isestablished or authentication is performed. Examples of chatcommunications exist over AOL (America Online) and CompuServe, amongothers.

One or more of the application programs may be installed on the internalor external storage 272 of the general-purpose computer 270.Alternatively, in another implementation, the client controller 125 mayaccess application programs externally stored in and/or performed by oneor more device(s) external to the general-purpose computer 270.

The general-purpose computer 270 also includes a central processing unit282 (CPU) for executing instructions in response to commands from theclient controller 125, and a communication device 284 for sending andreceiving data. One example of the communication device 284 is a modem.Other examples include a transceiver, a set-top box, a communicationcard, a satellite dish, an antenna, a network adapter, or some othermechanism capable of transmitting and receiving data over thecommunications link 115 through a wired or wireless data pathway 150.The general-purpose computer 270 optionally includes a television (“TV”)tuner 286 for receiving television programming in the form of broadcast,satellite, and/or cable TV signals. The TV tuner 286 permits the clientdevice 120 to selectively and/or simultaneously display network contentreceived by communications device 284 and TV programming contentreceived by the TV tuner 286.

The general-purpose computer 270 may include an input/output interface288 that enables wired or wireless connection to various peripheraldevices 290. Examples of peripheral devices 290 include, but are notlimited to, a mouse 291, a mobile phone 292, a personal digitalassistant (PDA) 293, an MP3 player (not shown), a keyboard 294, adisplay monitor 295 with or without a touch screen input, a TV remotecontrol 296 for receiving information from and rendering information tousers, an audio output device 297 such as a speaker, and an audiovisualinput device 298.

Although FIG. 2B illustrates devices such as a mobile telephone 292, aPDA 293, and a TV remote control 296 as being peripheral with respect tothe general-purpose computer 270, other implementations may have suchdevices themselves include the functionality of the general-purposecomputer 270 and operate as the client device 120. For example, themobile phone 292 or the PDA 293 may include computing and networkingcapabilities and may function as a client device 120 by accessing thedelivery network 160 and communicating with the host system 110.Furthermore, the client system 105 may include one, some or all of thecomponents and devices described above.

FIG. 3B illustrates a communications system 300B including a first usersystem 105A communicating with a second user system 105B and host system110 through a communication link 115. System 300B illustrates a possibleimplementation of the communications system 100 of FIG. 1.

In system 300B, the host system 110 includes a login server 370 forenabling access by users and routing communications between the firstuser system 105A, the second user system 105B, and the host system 110.The host system 110 also includes an IM server 390. To enable access toand facilitate interactions with the host system 110, the first usersystem 105A and the second user system 105B may include communicationsoftware, such as, for example, an OSP client application and/or an IMclient application.

As described with respect to FIG. 1, the host system 110 may support IMservices irrespective of a first user's network or Internet access.Thus, the host system 110 may allow users to send and receive IMsregardless of whether they have access to any particular ISP. The hostsystem 110 also may support associated services, such as administrativematters, advertising, directory services, chat, and interest groupsrelated to the IM. The host system 110 has an architecture that enablesthe devices (e.g., servers) within the host system 110 to communicatewith each other. To transfer data, the host system 110 employs one ormore standard or exclusive IM protocols.

The first user system 105A may establish a connection to the loginserver 370 in order to access the host system 110 and begin an IMsession. The login server 370 typically determines whether theparticular first user is authorized to access the host system 110 byverifying the first user's identification and password. If the firstuser is authorized to access the host system 110, the login server 370usually employs a hashing technique on the first user's screen name toidentify a particular IM server 390 within the host system 110 for useduring the first user's session. The login server 370 provides the firstuser system 105A with the IP address of the IM server 390, gives thefirst user system 105A an encrypted key, and breaks the connection. Thefirst user system 105A then uses the IP address to establish aconnection to the particular IM server 390 through the communicationslink 115, and uses the encrypted key to obtain access to the IM server390. Typically, the first user system 105A is able to establish an openTCP connection to the IM server 390. The second user system 105Bestablishes a connection to the host system 110 in a similar manner.

In one implementation, the first user system 105A may directly orindirectly transmit data to and access content from the IM server 390once a connection to the IM server 390 has been established. Byaccessing the IM server, a first user can leverage the IM clientapplication to determine whether particular users (“buddies” orpotential second users) are on-line, exchange IMs with particularbuddies, participate in group chat rooms, trade files such as pictures,invitations or documents, find other buddies with similar interests, getcustomized news and stock quotes, and search the Web. For example, afirst user who is using first user system 105A may view whether a buddyusing second user system 105B is on-line, and if so, may exchange IMswith that buddy.

The IMs sent between first user system 105A and second user system 105Bmay be routed through host system 110, routed through a third partyserver (not shown, or the IMs may be sent directly between first usersystem 105A and second user system 105B.

The host system 110 may include a user profile server (not shown)connected to a database (not shown) for storing large amounts of userprofile data. The user profile server may be used to enter, retrieve,edit, manipulate, or otherwise process user profile data. In oneimplementation, a user's profile data includes, for example, the user'sscreen name, buddy list, geographic location, and identified interests,including interests in various categories of on-line media. The firstuser or the second user may enter, edit and/or delete profile data usingan installed IM client application on the first user system 105A or onthe second user system 105B to interact with the user profile server.

Because the user's data are stored in the host system 110, the firstuser and the second user do not have to reenter or update suchinformation in the event that the first user or the second user accessesthe host system 110 using a new or different first user system 105A orsecond user system 105B. Accordingly, when, for example, the first useraccesses the host system 110, the IM server 390 can instruct the userprofile server to retrieve the first user's profile data from thedatabase and to provide, for example, the first user's buddy list to theIM server 390. Alternatively, user profile data may be saved locally onthe first user system 105A.

Systems similar to those shown by FIGS. 1 and 3B may be used to enablesimilar functionality with respect to non-IM communications schemes, forexample, such as the types described with respect to FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first user system 105A, the second user system105B, and the host system 110 interact according to exemplary procedure400 to control the volume of sound in response to events in an instantmessaging conversation. An event may be, for example, the receipt of aninstant message, the sending of an instant message, the receipt of anotification that another user is typing a message or entering text inan instant messaging communications session with the first user, or thereceipt of a notification of an online presence state change for anotheruser on the first user's buddy list.

The procedure 400 may be implemented by various types of hardware,software, device, computer, computer system, equipment, component,program, application, code, storage medium, or propagated signal.Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 4, the first user system 105A,the second user system 105B, and the host system 110 may be directly orindirectly interconnected through known or described delivery networks,examples of which are described with respect to network 160. Theprocedure 400 may be implemented in a client/host context, or astandalone or offline client context. The sound volume may be controlledby the standalone/offline device and the control parameters for thesound control may be accessed or updated through a remote device in anon-client/host environment, such as, for example, a LAN server servingan end user or a mainframe serving a terminal device. Thus, theprocedure 400 described below may be implemented for an OSP, ISP,browser and/or other software program, such as communications programsincluding programs for instant messaging and chat.

Procedure 400 generally involves controlling the volume of instantmessaging sounds of a first instant messaging user in an instantmessaging communication session with a second instant messaging user.While some functions of procedure 400 may be performed entirely by thefirst user system 1 05A or the second user system 105B, other functionsmay be performed by the host system 110 or the collective operation ofthe first user system 105A, the second user system 105B, and/or the hostsystem 110. The host system may be, for example, an IM host system or adifferent host system.

In the procedure 400, an instant messaging user interface (UI) isrendered to a first instant messaging user on a first instant messaginguser system (step 405).

The first user system receives a notification of an event occurrence(step 410). The first user system may receive the notification from thehost system 110 or a different host system or client system. In oneimplementation, the first user system detects the occurrence of theevent. The event may be associated with an event type such as, forexample, an event type indicating the receipt of an instant message oran event type indicating the receipt of a notification of an onlinepresence state change for a different user on the first user's buddylist.

Next, a determination is made as to whether the event is an initialevent (step 415). Various criteria may be used to determine whether theevent is an initial event. For example, the criteria may include theabsence of a window or session involving the second instant messaginguser. In another implementation, an event log may be maintained by theuser system or by the host system to record various events related to acommunications session. The event log may be consulted for determiningwhether the event is an initial event.

If the event is determined to be an initial event, then an initialvolume is determined (step 420). The initial volume may be determinedautomatically, or the initial volume may be determined manually throughuser input. For example, the initial volume may be determined throughmanipulation of a UI, such as UI 500 described below with respect toFIG. 5. In another implementation, the initial volume may bepre-determined without user input. The initial volume may be fullvolume, or a different volume chosen by the user.

The sound corresponding to the event is then played at the initialvolume (step 425). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the instantmessaging application, as a client application 278, may send a volumecontrol signal to the operating system 274, which controls theinput/output interface 288 (e.g., a sound card), which in turn controlsthe volume of audio output device 297. The sound corresponding to theevent may be user-selected, or may be pre-selected for the user. Thesound may be an audible alert that serves as a user identifier for thesender of an instant message or the initiator of the event. A singleuser identifier may be used to signal an initial message from or to aparticular user, subsequent messages from or to a particular user, orother events related to that user, but the volume of the audible alertdiffers based upon its characteristic as an initial or a subsequentmessage or other event.

If the event is not determined to be an initial event, then the event isa subsequent event and a determination will be made as to whether theconversation has lapsed (step 430). A lapse may be declared, forexample, if a pre-determined amount of time passes without the sendingor receipt of an instant message or if the number of outgoing and/orincoming messages per unit time falls below a threshold number. It ispossible to time the delay between a previous communication from a useror other event, such as the user typing or input of a message, and acurrent communication from a user or other event, such as user typing orinput of a message. The time delay may be used in determining whether alapse condition has occurred. A lapse may also be declared if theconversation window is closed and a new conversation begins in a newwindow. Other criteria may be used for determining whether theconversation has lapsed. For example, a lapse may be declared bydetermining whether an IM window containing a communications sessionbetween participants in the IM conversation has been closed orminimized, determining whether one of the participants in the IMconversation has logged out or has an indication of an idle orunavailable state. It is possible to monitor not only the existence ofan IM communications session between participants, including a messagestring, but also user activity such as typing or entering text beforesending an instant message in a particular IM communications session.The detected activity in the IM communications session may be used as abasis for determining whether a lapse has occurred in the conversationand/or as a basis for adjusting the volume level.

The user may define the criteria for a lapse through manipulation of aUI, such as UI 500 discussed below with respect to FIG. 5. In anotherimplementation, the criteria for a lapse may be pre-defined without userinput.

If a lapse is determined to exist, then a lapse volume is determined(step 435). The lapse volume may be determined automatically, or may bedetermined manually through user input. For example, the lapse volumemay be determined through manipulation of a UI, such as UI 500 describedbelow with respect to FIG. 5. In another implementation, the lapsevolume may be pre-determined without user input. The lapse volume may bethe same as the initial volume, or may differ from the initial volumeand also may differ from a subsequent volume associated with subsequentevents, as discussed below with respect to steps 445-465. The lapsevolume may be, for example, full volume, or a different volume chosen bythe user.

The sound corresponding to the event is then played at the lapse volume(step 440). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the instant messagingapplication, as a client application 278, may send a volume controlsignal to the operating system 274, which controls the input/outputinterface 288 (e.g., a sound card), which in turn controls the volume ofaudio output device 297.

If a lapse is determined not to exist, then a determination is made asto whether the event has the same event type as the initial event (step445). If the event has the same event type as the initial event, then asubsequent volume is determined (step 450). The subsequent volume may bedetermined automatically, or may be determined manually through userinput. For example, the subsequent volume may be determined throughmanipulation of a UI, such as UI 500 described below with respect toFIG. 5. In another implementation, the subsequent volume may bepre-determined without user input. The subsequent volume differs fromthe initial volume, and may be full volume, or a different volume chosenby the user.

The sound corresponding to the event is then played at the subsequentvolume (step 455). For example, referring to FIG. 2, the instantmessaging application, as a client application 278, may send a volumecontrol signal to the operating system 274, which controls theinput/output interface 288 (e.g., a sound card), which in turn controlsthe volume of audio output device 297.

If the event does not have the same event type as the initial event,then a subsequent volume is determined for the particular event typecorresponding to the subsequent event (step 460). The subsequent volumemay be determined automatically for the particular event type, or may bedetermined manually through user input. For example, the subsequentvolume may be determined through manipulation of a UI, such as UI 500described below with respect to FIG. 5. In another implementation, thesubsequent volume may be predetermined without user input. Thesubsequent volume for the particular event type typically differs fromthe initial volume of the event type corresponding to the initial event,and may differ from the subsequent volume for events having the sameevent type as the initial event as discussed above with respect to step450. However the subsequent volume for the particular event type may bethe same as the initial volume, and may be full volume, or a differentvolume chosen by the user.

The sound corresponding to the particular event type is then played atthe subsequent volume (step 465). For example, referring to FIG. 2, theinstant messaging application, as a client application 278, may send avolume control signal to the operating system 274, which controls theinput/output interface 288 (e.g., a sound card), which in turn controlsthe volume of audio output device 297.

In one example of procedure 400, a second instant messaging user sends afirst instant message to a first instant messaging user. The firstinstant messaging user is using a first instant messaging user system.The first instant messaging user system renders an IM UI to the firstinstant messaging user (step 405). The first instant messaging usersystem receives notification of the event of the incoming first instantmessage (step 410). A determination is made as to whether this messageis an initial instant message from the second user (step 415). Forexample, a determination may be made as to whether a communicationswindow for an IM conversation between the first user and the second useris currently open in order to determine whether the message is aninitial message. If the message is determined to be an initial message,then the initial volume is determined (step 420). The determination maybe made, for example, by the first instant messaging user system or by ahost system. In this example, the message is determined to be an initialmessage, the initial volume is full volume, and the sound correspondingto the receipt of the initial instant message is then played at fullvolume (step 425).

Continuing with the example of procedure 400, a second message isreceived by the first instant messaging user from the second instantmessaging user ten minutes after the receipt of the initial message, andthe first instant messaging user system is notified of the occurrence ofthis new event (step 410). A determination is made as to whether thereceipt of the second message is an initial event (step 415). In thisexample, the determination is made that the receipt of the secondmessage is not an initial event.

Next, a determination is made as to whether a lapse condition hasoccurred (step 430). For example, the amount of time passing between theinitial message and the second message may be calculated and computedagainst a threshold value of time, such as five minutes. Otherconditions may be tested to determine whether a lapse condition hasoccurred. For example, a determination may be made as to whether thefirst instant messaging user has closed or minimized the windowcontaining the instant messaging conversation with the second instantmessaging user. In this example, a lapse condition has occurred becausethere has been a passage of more than five minutes between the initialand the second message. A lapse volume is determined (step 435), whichin this case is the initial volume, and the sound corresponding to thereceipt of the second message is played at the lapse volume (step 440).Because a lapse condition has occurred, the second event may be treatedas an initial event with respect to events occurring subsequent to thesecond event, and the sound played for the second message may be a soundcorresponding to an initial event. The second event resets thedetermination of an initial event occurrence and is treated as aninitial event because it was determined that a lapse occurred.

Continuing the example of procedure 400, a third message is received bythe first instant messaging user from the second instant messaging usertwo minutes after the receipt of the second message, and the firstinstant messaging user system is notified of the occurrence of this newevent (step 410). A determination is made as to whether the receipt ofthe third message is an initial event (step 415). In this example, thethird message is determined not to be an initial event. Next, adetermination is made as to whether a lapse condition has occurred (step430). In this example, a lapse condition has not occurred with the thirdmessage because less than five minutes elapsed between receipt of thesecond and the third message.

Next, a determination is made as to whether the third message has thesame event type as the initial event (step 445). In this example,receipt of the second message is being treated as the initial event dueto the lapse occurring between the first message and the second message.Both the receipt of the third message and the receipt of the secondmessage have the same event type, i.e., the event type of receipt of anew instant message from the second instant messaging user. In otherimplementations, a different definition of event type may be used andthe event type may be found to differ. A subsequent volume is determined(step 450), which in this case is a volume reduced to 25% of the initialvolume, and the sound corresponding to the receipt of the third message(i.e., a subsequent message) is played at the subsequent volume (step455).

Further continuing the example of procedure 400, a new message isreceived by the first instant messaging user from a third instantmessaging user two minutes after receipt of the third instant messagefrom the second instant messaging user, and the first instant messaginguser system is notified of the occurrence of this new event (step 410).A determination is made as to whether the receipt of the first messageis an initial event (step 415). Although the message is an initialmessage from the third instant messaging user, it is not the initialinstant message received by the first instant messaging user in thisexample. In one implementation, the new message may be treated as asubsequent event because the message is a subsequent instant messagefrom an initial message, which is the case in the present example. Inanother implementation, the new message from the third instant messaginguser may be treated as an initial event because it is the initialmessage from the third instant messaging user. Next, a determination ismade as to whether a lapse condition has occurred (step 430). In thisexample, a lapse condition has not occurred with the new message becauseit was received less than five minutes after the receipt of the mostrecent other instant message (which in this example was the thirdmessage sent from the second instant messaging user in the IMcommunications session with the second instant messaging user).

Next, a determination is made as to whether the new message has the sameevent type as the initial event (step 445). Note that, in this example,receipt of the second message from the second instant messaging user isbeing treated as an initial event due to the lapse occurring between thefirst message and the second message from the second instant messaginguser. In one implementation, which is the case in the present example,the receipt of the new message from the third instant messaging user maybe considered to be a different event type than the receipt of thesecond message from the second instant messaging user. In anotherimplementation, the receipt of the new message from the third instantmessaging user and the receipt of the second message from the secondinstant messaging user may be considered to be the same type of event,i.e., receipt of a new instant message. A subsequent volume isdetermined (step 450) for the event type, which in this case is a volumereduced to 50% of the initial volume, and the sound corresponding to thereceipt of the new message from the third instant messaging user isplayed at the subsequent volume (step 455).

The relative order of steps 405-466 with respect to other steps inprocedure 400 may vary. For example, steps 430-440 may be performedafter steps 445-465. Also, certain steps may be omitted entirely, asappropriate. For example, steps 445 and 460-465 may be omitted and asingle subsequent volume determined without regard to whether thesubsequent event is of the same or a different event type than theinitial event. Also, step 415 may be omitted and a default volume levelused until a subsequent event is detected. Various definitions and/orcriteria for the determination of an initial event, a subsequent event,and an event type may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of a user interface (UI) 500 that may bepresented to a first instant messaging user for enabling sound control.The UI 500 includes a set of controls 505 for controlling the volume ofan initial event, as discussed above with respect to step 420 ofprocedure 400. As shown, the controls 505 enable the user to select thevolume of the initial event to be full volume, half volume, or othervolume selected by the user.

The UI 500 also includes a set of controls 510 for determining whether alapse has occurred, as discussed above with respect to step 430 ofprocedure 400. As shown, the controls 510 enable the user to select thecriteria for lapse to be a passage of 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or otheruser-selected period of time without messaging activity.

The UI 500 includes a set of controls 515 for controlling the lapsevolume if a lapse condition occurs, as discussed above with respect tostep 435 of procedure 400. As shown, the controls 515 enable the user toselect the lapse volume to be full volume, half volume, the same volumeas the initial volume, or other volume selected by the user.

The UI 500 also includes a set of controls 520 for controlling thevolume of a subsequent event. The controls 520 include controls 525 forcontrolling the volume of a subsequent event of the same type as theinitial event, as discussed above with respect to step 450 of procedure400. As shown, the controls 525 enable the user to select the volume ofthe subsequent event to be full volume, half volume, or other volumeselected by the user. The controls 520 also include controls 530 forcontrolling the volume of a subsequent event of a different type thanthe initial event, as discussed above with respect to step 460 ofprocedure 400. As shown, the controls 530 enable the user to select thevolume of the subsequent event to be full volume, half volume, or othervolume selected by the user.

There is particular and unique utility of the described sound controltechniques in an instant messaging context, where messages between asender and a recipient often occur with rapid succession. The pace ofthe instant messaging conversation may vary, with periods of veryintense message activity and periods of very little message activity.

Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. Thedescribed techniques may be applied in instant messaging communicationcontexts such as text messaging, video messaging, and audio messaging.The described techniques also may be applied to other communicationscontexts such as chat.

1. A computer implemented method for controlling the volume of anaudible alert associated with an instant messaging communicationssession, the method comprising: rendering, on a first instant messaginguser system, an instant messaging application user interface for aninstant messaging communications session involving at least an instantmessage recipient and an instant message sender; receiving notificationof receipt of an instant message from the instant message sender;comparing an identity of the instant message sender with an identity ofa participant engaged in an active instant messaging session with theinstant message recipient; if based on results of comparing the identityof the instant message sender with the identity of the participantengaged in the active instant messaging session with the instant messagerecipient, determining that the instant message recipient presently isengaged in an active instant messaging session with the instant messagesender and that the instant message received from the instant messagesender is a subsequent instant message in the active instant messagingsession after an initial instant message in the active instant messagingsession; accessing an audible alert to be rendered to signal receipt ofan instant message; as a consequence of having determined that theinstant message received from the instant message sender is a subsequentinstant message, adjusting a volume of the audible alert to be renderedto signal receipt of an instant message to an alternative volumediffering from an initial volume played for the initial instant message;and rendering the audible alert at the adjusted volume to signal receiptof the instant message, wherein the audible alert is rendered on thesame instant messaging user system on which the instant messagingapplication user interface is rendered.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinadjusting the volume to an alternative volume that differs from theinitial volume comprises adjusting the volume to an alternative volumefrom a full volume.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein adjusting thevolume to an alternative volume that differs from the initial volumecomprises adjusting the volume to a volume less than the full volume. 4.The method of claim 3 wherein adjusting the volume to the alternativevolume comprises adjusting the volume to a volume that is one half ofthe full volume.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein adjusting the volumeto the alternative volume comprises adjusting the volume to a volumethat is one quarter of the full volume.
 6. The method of claim 3 whereinadjusting the volume to the alternative volume comprises adjusting thevolume to a volume that is barely audible.
 7. The method of claim 2further comprising receiving an indication of a user selection of thealternative volume and the initial volume.
 8. The method of claim 1 inwhich comparing the identity of the instant message sender with anidentity of a participant engaged in an active instant messaging sessionwith the instant message recipient comprises comparing the identity ofthe instant message sender with an identity of a participant engaged inan instant messaging session having an open window in the instantmessaging application user interface on the first instant messaging usersystem.
 9. The method of claim 1 in which comparing the identity of theinstant message sender with an identity of a participant engaged in anactive instant messaging session with the instant message recipientcomprises comparing the identity of the instant message sender with anidentity of a participant engaged in an instant messaging session withinwhich an instant message was sent within a predetermined window of time.10. The method of claim 1 wherein adjusting the volume to thealternative volume differing from the initial volume played for theinitial event comprises adjusting the volume to a volume reduced fromthe initial volume.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the instantmessaging communication session comprises a video messaging session. 12.The method of claim 1 wherein the instant messaging communicationsession comprises an audio messaging session.
 13. A computer readablemedium having embodied thereon a computer program, the computer programincluding instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to: render,on an instant messaging user system, an instant messaging applicationuser interface for an instant messaging communications session involvingat least an instant message recipient and an instant message sender;receive notification of receipt of an instant message from the instantmessage sender; compare an identity of the instant message sender withan identity of a participant engaged in an active instant messagingsession with the instant message recipient; based on results ofcomparing the identity of the instant message sender with the identityof the participant engaged in the active instant messaging session withthe instant message recipient, determine that the instant messagerecipient presently is engaged in an active instant messaging sessionwith the instant message sender and that the instant message receivedfrom the instant message sender is a subsequent instant message in theactive instant messaging session after an initial instant message in theactive instant messaging session; access an audible alert to be renderedto signal receipt of an instant message; as a consequence of havingdetermined that the instant message received from the instant messagesender is a subsequent instant message, adjust a volume of the audiblealert to be rendered to signal receipt of an instant message to analternative volume differing from an initial volume played for theinitial instant message; and render the audible alert at the adjustedvolume to signal receipt of the instant message, wherein the audiblealert is rendered on the same instant messaging user system on which theinstant messaging application user interface is rendered.
 14. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 13 wherein the instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a computer to adjust the volume include instructionsthat, when executed, cause a computer to select among several volumelevels available for rendering a single audible alert.
 15. The computerreadable medium of claim 13 in which the instructions that, whenexecuted, cause a computer to compare the identity of the instantmessage sender with an identity of a participant engaged in an activeinstant messaging session with the instant message recipient compriseinstructions that, when executed, cause a computer to compare theidentity of the instant message sender with an identity of a participantengaged in an instant messaging session having an open window in theinstant messaging application user interface on the first instantmessaging user system.
 16. The computer readable medium of claim 13 inwhich the instructions that, when executed, cause a computer to comparethe identity of the instant message sender with an identity of aparticipant engaged in an active instant messaging session with theinstant message recipient comprise instructions that, when executed,cause a computer to compare the identity of the instant message senderwith an identity of a participant engaged in an instant messagingsession in which an instant message was sent within a predeterminedwindow of time.
 17. The computer readable medium of claim 13 wherein theinstructions that, when executed, cause a computer to adjust the volumeto an alternative volume differing from an initial volume event compriseinstructions that, when executed, cause a computer to adjust the volumeto a volume reduced from the initial volume.
 18. A computer implementedmethod for playing an audible alert at an appropriate volume levelduring an instant messaging communications session, the methodcomprising: rendering, on an instant messaging user system, an instantmessaging application user interface for an instant messagingcommunications session involving at least a first instant messaging userand a second instant messaging user; receiving, at the instant messaginguser system, an initial instant message for the first instant messaginguser from the second instant messaging user in the instant messagingcommunications session involving the first instant messaging user andthe second instant messaging user; determining that the received instantmessage is the initial instant message in the instant messagingcommunications session involving the first instant messaging user andthe second instant messaging user; accessing an audible alert to beplayed in response to receipt of an instant message; as a consequence ofhaving determined that the received instant message is the initialinstant message in the instant messaging communications sessioninvolving the first instant messaging user and the second instantmessaging user, determining to play the audible alert at a volume, fromamong at least two different volumes, that corresponds to an initialinstant message in an instant messaging session; playing, at the instantmessaging user system, the audible alert at the volume that correspondsto an initial instant message in an instant messaging communicationssession to signal the receipt of the instant message; after receivingthe initial instant message and playing the audible alert at the volumethat corresponds to an initial instant message in an instant messagingcommunications session, receiving, at the first instant messaging usersystem, a subsequent instant message for the first instant messaginguser from the second instant messaging user in the same instantmessaging communications session involving the first instant messaginguser and the second instant messaging user; determining that thereceived instant message is a subsequent instant message in the sameinstant messaging communications session involving the first instantmessaging user and the second instant messaging user; accessing theaudible alert to be played in response to receipt of an instant message;as a consequence of having determined that the received instant messageis a subsequent instant message in the same instant messagingcommunications session involving the first instant messaging user andthe second instant messaging user, determining to play the audible alertat a different volume that corresponds to subsequent instant messages inan instant messaging communications session and that is different thanthe volume that corresponds to an initial instant message in an instantmessaging communications session; and playing the audible alert at thevolume that corresponds to a subsequent instant message in an instantmessaging communications session.
 19. A computer implemented method forplaying an audible alert at an appropriate volume level during aninstant messaging communications session, the method comprising:rendering, on an instant messaging user system, an instant messagingapplication user interface for an instant messaging communicationssession involving at least a first instant messaging user and a secondinstant messaging user; receiving, at the instant messaging user system,a subsequent instant message for the first instant messaging user fromthe second instant messaging user in the instant messagingcommunications session after already having received a first instantmessage for the first instant messaging user from the second instantmessage user in the instant messaging communications session;determining that the instant message is a subsequent instant message inthe instant messaging communications session; accessing an audible alertto be played in response to receipt of an instant message; as aconsequence of having determined that the instant message is asubsequent instant message in the instant messaging communicationssession, determining to play the audible alert at a volume, from amongat least two different volumes, that corresponds to a subsequent instantmessage in an instant messaging communications session; playing, at theinstant messaging user system, the audible alert at the volume thatcorresponds to a subsequent instant message in an instant messagingcommunications session to signal the receipt of the instant message;after receiving the subsequent instant message and playing the audiblealert at the volume that corresponds to a subsequent instant message inan instant messaging communications session, receiving, at the firstinstant messaging user system, a new instant message for the firstinstant messaging user from the second instant messaging user; inresponse to receiving the new instant message, determining that morethan a predefined period of time elapsed between receiving thesubsequent instant message and the new instant message without havingreceived an intervening instant message for the first instant messaginguser from the second instant messaging user; accessing the audible alertto be played in response to receipt of an instant message; based ondetermining that more than a predefined period of time elapsed betweenreceiving the subsequent instant message and the new instant messagewithout having received an intervening instant message for the firstinstant messaging user from the second instant messaging user,determining to play the audible alert at a volume that is different thanthe volume that corresponds to subsequent instant messages in instantmessaging communications sessions; and playing the audible alert at thedifferent volume to signal receipt of the new instant message.
 20. Acomputer implemented method for adjusting the volume of audible alertsplayed during an instant messaging communications session, the methodcomprising: establishing an instant messaging communications sessionbetween a first instant messaging user and a second instant messaginguser; rendering, on an instant messaging user system, an instantmessaging application user interface for the instant messagingcommunications session established between the first instant messaginguser and the second instant messaging user; receiving, at the instantmessaging user system, a first instant message for the first instantmessaging user from the second instant messaging user in the instantmessaging communications session established between the first instantmessaging user and the second instant messaging user; in response toreceiving the first instant message for the first instant messaging userfrom the second instant messaging user: determining a temporal order ofthe first instant message within the instant messaging communicationssession established between the first instant messaging user and thesecond instant messaging user; determining a first volume at which toplay an audible alert to signal receipt of the first instant message asa function of the determined temporal order of the first instant messagewithin the instant messaging communications session established betweenthe first instant messaging user and the second instant messaging user;and playing the audible alert at the determined first volume to signalreceipt of the first instant message; receiving, at the instantmessaging user system, a second instant message for the first instantmessaging user from the second instant messaging user in the instantmessaging communications session established between the first instantmessaging user and the second instant messaging user; in response toreceiving the second instant message for the first instant messaginguser from the second instant messaging user: determining a temporalorder of the second instant message within the instant messagingcommunications session established between the first instant messaginguser and the second instant messaging user, the determined temporalorder of the second instant message within the instant messagingcommunications session established between the first instant messaginguser and the second instant messaging user being different than thetemporal order of the first instant message within the instant messagingcommunications session established between the first instant messaginguser and the second instant messaging user; determining a second volumeat which to play an audible alert to signal receipt of the secondinstant message as a function of the determined temporal order of thesecond instant message within the instant messaging communicationssession established between the first instant messaging user and thesecond instant messaging user, the determined second volume beingdifferent than the determined first volume on account of the determinedtemporal order of the second instant message being different than thetemporal order of the first instant message; and playing the audiblealert at the determined second volume to signal receipt of the secondinstant message.